Gulf Intracoastal Waterway (GIWW) Caloosahatchee to Anclote River

GIWW navigation

Gulf Intracoastal Waterway (GIWW) Caloosahatchee River to Anclote River Project Overview
The Gulf Intracoastal Waterway (GIWW) from the Caloosahatchee River to the Anclote River was authorized by Chapter 19 of the Rivers and Harbors Act of 1945 (PL 79-14) in accordance with House Document Number 371, 76th Congress.  Route modifications were authorized by the Rivers and Harbors Acts of 1948 (PL 80-858), 1950 (PL 81-516) and 1954 (PL 83-780).
The authorization directed the U. S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) to construct and maintain 160 miles of Intracoastal Waterway to ensure safe and operable navigation to a depth of 9 feet plus 2 feet of over depth Mean Lower Low Water (MLLW).
GIWW construction began in 1960 and was completed in 1967. The project winds through Lee, Charlotte, Sarasota, Manatee and Pinellas Counties, Florida. The West Coast Inland Navigation District (WCIND) is the non-Federal sponsor for this project except in Pinellas Co., where the county is the non-Federal sponsor.
The system of harbors and waterways maintained by USACE remains one of the most critically important elements of the Nation's transportation system. The 12,000 miles of inland waterways maintained by USACE carry one sixth of the nation's inter-city cargo. USACE maintains the Federal navigation channels of the Nation's waterways as a safe, reliable, and economically efficient navigation system.
The USACE a Dredge Readiness and Operations Plan (DROP) for the 160-mile GIWW outlines maintenance dredging locations and anticipated completion timeframes for identified dredging priorities. Click on the DROP link below to view the detailed map.
It is anticipated that all required dredging will take place over the next 10-15 years.

DROP: Dredge Readiness and Operation Plan - detailed mapping

TO VIEW DETAILED MAPS OF THE GIWW, TAP THE SLIDE ABOVE.
IF PROMPTED TO LOG ON, SELECT 'CANCEL' AND THE DATABASE WILL OPEN


                 
VIEW THE MARCH 29, 2023, GIWW NEPA SCOPING PRESENTATION


READ THE March 21, 2023, SCOPING LETTER

DEPARTMENT OF THE ARMY
CORPS OF ENGINEERS, JACKSONVILLE DISTRICT
Planning and Policy Division, Environmental Branch
701 SAN MARCO BOULEVARD
JACKSONVILLE, FLORIDA 32207-8175

21 March 2023

TO WHOM IT MAY CONCERN:

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Jacksonville District (Corps) is beginning preparation of a National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) document to address maintenance dredging of the Intracoastal Waterway (GIWW) in Lee, Charlotte, Sarasota, Manatee, Pinellas, and Pasco Counties, Florida. The Corps is the Federal agency responsible for maintenance of the GIWW. The non-federal sponsor (NFS) for the proposed maintenance dredging in Lee, Charlotte, Sarasota, Manatee, and Pasco counties is the West Coast Inland Navigation District (WCIND). Pinellas County will serve as the NFS, for the portions of the GIWW in Pinellas County. The Corps is currently gathering information to define issues and concerns that will be addressed in an analysis to be prepared in compliance with the NEPA.

The GIWW was authorized by Chapter 19 of the Rivers and Harbors Act of 1945 (PL 79-14) in accordance with House Document Number 371, 76th Congress. Channel alignment modifications were authorized by the Rivers and Harbors Acts of 1948 (Public Law 80-858), 1950 (Public Law 81-516), and 1954 (Public Law 83-780). Congressional authorization directed the Corps to construct and maintain the GIWW to a depth of nine (9) feet plus two (2) feet of over depth Mean Lower Low Water (MLLW).

The primary objective of this project is to maintain safe navigability of the GIWW channel. Additional goals include: (1) reduction of storm damages; (2) re-establishment of beaches as suitable recreational areas; (3) maintenance of suitable habitat for nesting sea turtles, invertebrate species, and shorebirds; (4) maintenance of commerce associated with beach recreation in the area; and (5) acquisition of beach-quality material in a cost effective and environmentally sustainable manner.

Issues that are anticipated include concern for nesting sea turtles and bird habitat, water quality, threatened and endangered species, and cultural and recreational resources such as fishing, swimming, and boating.

The Corps welcomes your scoping comments, views, and information about environmental and cultural resources, project objectives, and important features within the described project area. There will be an opportunity to participate in a virtual public NEPA scoping meeting on 29 March 2023 at 10 a.m. and 6 p.m.

USACE Project Contacts

GIWW Project Delivery Team
CESAJ-GIWW-Navigation@usace.army.mil

Project Manager 
904-635-0665   
Project Biologist

904-232-2030
Corporate Communications Office
david.j.ruderman@usace.army.mil
904-616-0036 / 904-232-2568